The ZNEF Party With a Purpose

The ZNEF Party With a Purpose nizations providing services to communities and the world. With plans to capitalize on the Centennial frenzy, ZNEF also planned to market products, including a stadium bag with the ZNEF logo imprinted on the side, at the Regional meetings

DOLLAR$ for $CHOLAR$

By Dr. Shirley Chevalier

Zeta National Educational Foundation Member

Pandemic, virtual, ZOOM, fundraising, $$$, Centennial, and parties. These are all significant terms for the ages that brought loads of angst, consternation, and, finally, resolute resolve and change to Zetas in 2020.

What does this list of words have in common, and how might you shape them to formulate a boon for the financial wellness of the Zeta National Educational Foundation (ZNEF)? The following equation is one way of reflecting how the misfortune of an international crisis led to what may be described as the most successful single fundraising effort in ZNEF history: Pandemic + ZOOM + virtual parties – Centennial = ZNEF Fundraising $$$. To appreciate the favorable outcome of this formula, one must travel the rocky journey that included two huge blows: the COVID-19 pandemic and cancellation of Centennial Boulé.

ZNEF receives funds from a small percentage of the dues of Zeta membership dues and various fundraising efforts of its undertaking. In 2020, in addition to the funds from Zeta membership dues, the Foundation has been blessed with a committed and supportive ally in International Grand Basileus Valerie Hollingsworth Baker. Following her election as the 25th International Centennial Grand Basileus of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Grand Val strode into the 2018 ZNEF Annual Board Meeting, expressed her desire for the success of the Foundation, and committed her time, talents, and available resources to assist the board in reaching those goals. One of those stated goals was to greatly increase fundraising efforts to facilitate the value and number of scholarships awarded. True to her word, where feasible, in 2020 Grand Val set out to capitalize on the Centennial year activities to bring funds into ZNEF’s coffers. As Centennial President, she arranged for members who purchased the Centennial Members’ Directory online to also be able to donate to the Foundation.

The Foundation undertook its usual fundraising efforts, including AmazonSmile, in which a fraction of ZNEF supporters’ total Amazon purchase is donated to the Foundation; the End-of-Year Giving Campaign, in which donations are solicited from prospective donors; and Giving Tuesday, a globally celebrated day of giving that takes place1 the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, in which individuals may contribute to orgaand Centennial events. A test marketing of the bags demonstrated some success; however, a larger profit potential was required in order to achieve the required financial goals while establishing a sustainable, annual, notable fundraising campaign. All of the funding sources in play were somewhat successful; however, they were not nearly as lucrative as desired.

Then, in early March, the COVID-19 virus spread across the United States. Events were cancelled in strategic spots around the United States, especially California and New York. Businesses and organized large attendance venues were closed and events cancelled, schools were closing, jobs were being lost. Everyone was requested to wear masks, stay at least six feet apart, and use hand sanitizers or wash their hands. Likewise, Zeta membership, including Zeta affiliates (youth, Amicae and Zeta Male Network members) were asked to follow state and local guidelines and to avoid congregating in groups, which meant no organized meetings. The COVID-19 outbreak was now officially labeled a pandemic.

As the pandemic spread with no end in sight, official word came that the Centennial Boulé had been cancelled. There is no more dire circumstance to a nonprofit organization than losing its key funding sources of donors and the availability of venues with which to market your services and mingle with donors. It was truly a difficult time for ZNEF fundraising, as ZNEF had planned its major fundraising efforts around Centennial Boulé events and large venue Zeta gatherings.

ZNEF Board Member, Former U. S. Representative Donna Edwards offered up the perfect solution: hosting virtual parties. Soror Edwards, ZNEF Treasurer Vanessa Elkins-Rogers, and ZNEF Board Chair Dr. JacQueline Lawton developed the idea of the ZNEF virtual cocktail parties. Once the idea was approved, the ZNEF Board went to work developing a plan for the individual chapter parties with a designated registered host. Grand Val made available Zeta resources, e.g., the National Graphics Team, Zeta News Network (ZNN), and the Social Media Director to market and advertise the events. Soror Elkins-Rogers established a method for individuals to sign-up for the event with the motivation of a $1000 scholarship for the chapter of the hostess collecting the largest amount of money from participants and donors for her party. Virtual parties consisted of a variety of themes, including celebrating birthdays, game night, bingo, and trivia contests. Some events included disc jockeys, live musical talent, comedians, silent auctions, and many more. This idea of a small celebration during the five days which would have been the scheduled Boulé turned into a 35-day event involving the participation of 100 chapters and 150 virtual parties that raised

over $75,000 and the sorors wanted the opportunity to extend the deadline and raise more.

It appeared that the virtual party was the answer to the Foundation’s fundraising needs – a high grossing funding source, ZNEF reaching donor sources throughout Zeta, and the potential for an annual signature fundraising campaign. In an effort to identify a means of gaining maximum benefit from the virtual party theme, ZNEF Vice-Chair Patricia Jones suggested culminating the events with a “Five for the Founders” in which a single celebrity would perform and participants would gain admittance with a $250 dollar donation. It was determined by the Fundraising Committee that the event should have many celebrities speaking and a variety of performances similar to a telethon with the perfect opportunity to advertise the role of the National Educational Foundation in the community, in particular its viable scholarship program. Thus the event name, “Dollars for Scholars: A Virtual Night with the Stars,” was born!

The members of the fundraising committee intimately involved in the planning of and active participation in the event were: International Centennial Grand Basileus Valerie Hollingsworth-Baker, 2nd International Vice-President Chrislyn Turner, International Graduate-Member-at-Large Karen Gipson, International Honorary Members Director Cynthia Bell, ZNEF Board Chair Dr. JacQueline E. Lawton, ZNEF Vice-Chair Patricia Jones, Honorary Member and ZNEF Board Member U. S. Representative Donna Edwards, ZNEF Treasurer Vanessa Elkins-Rogers, Centennial Committee Vice-Chair Kim Sawyer, and ZOL Tech Director Alexis Smith.

International Centennial President Hollingsworth-Baker provided the talents and resources of Zeta to produce the affair. Alexis Smith assisted in the virtual machinations of televising the event, Kim Sawyer assisted Grand Val in hosting the event, Cynthia Bell arranged the participation of honorary members from Zeta and Sigma, including: Nicki Micheaux, Wayne Brady, Ben Vereen, Bishop Mary Palmer, and Blair Underwood. Grand Val arranged the participation of Syleena Johnson, Hype Master Jorelle Green and Brother Kevin Brace (President of the Harlem Sigmas), and Collette V. Smith (first African American (female) football coach for the New York Jets). In addition to facilitating transitions within the program format, these guest celebrities reiterated important FAQ’s regarding the mission, role, and functioning of ZNEF throughout the program. Frater Chris Rey attended to deliver a personal donation and to offer remarks of encouragement on behalf of the 1st Vice-President of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated.

A noteworthy aspect of the event was the opportunity afforded the members of the ZNEF Board of Managers to speak directly to the audience to welcome them to the event, provide visibility into the mission and functioning of the Foundation, thank them for their support of this event, and encourage them to support ZNEF through their time and talents, in addition to their donations. Attendees to the event were afforded the opportunity to see and hear from six of the lucky beneficiaries of ZNEF scholarships extending their appreciation for being selected as 2020-SY recipients.

One of the highlights of the evening was the “Battle of the Regions” hosted by the eight Regional Directors: Gina Merritt-Epps, Esq. (Atlantic); Dr. Donna Jordan (Eastern); Elner Taylor (Great Lakes); Akella Wicker (Midwestern); Za’KKiyyah Nazeeh (Pacific); Kathy Tatum (South Central); LaWanda Harper (Southeastern); Keisha Beasley (Southern).

The evening of superb entertainment consisted of the very talented fiddler, “King of Strings” Ken Ford; Founder of the Greek Comedy Tour, Christopher Columbus; Spoken Word Artist, Makaila Norwood; Jazz Vocalist, Chassity Rae; Gullah Traveling Theatre: Founder, Aunt Pearlie Sue – Anita Singleton-Prather, Gullah Vocalist Scott Gibbs, and Larry Burse; Saxaphonist, Frater Mike Girdy; vocalist soror Dr. Serelda Herbin; Radio and Internet Personalities Sorors Vaughn Postema Swain and Soror DJ Shanell B.

The event allowed donors the opportunity to contribute on four levels: Pearl ($25 – 49); Sapphire ($50-99); Diamond ($200 – 249); $250+. The event raised more than $125,000. With its overwhelming success in terms of support, participation, visibility, and funds raised, the ZNEF Board of Managers is planning this event as its signature annual fundraiser. The pandemic brought lemons and the ZNEF Board and its Zeta, Sigma, and other supporters have made lemonade, resulting in the most successful fundraising project in the history of ZNEF – resulting in lots of “Dollars for Scholars” in 2020 and the future.